The Shadow

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The brighter the light the deeper the shadow

• ― Jay Kristoff, Nevernight

And what is a shadow, what does it mean?

The actual definition is: A dark area on a surface where a light from a light source is blocked by an object in contrast.

It can also be used in reference to proximity, oppressiveness, or and gloom.

Carl Jung defined the shadow as the unconscious part of our personality holding repressed, primitive, or rejected traits.

In my research I think Carl Jung should be accredited for this concept and the truest analysis  of the shadow

The shadow also symbolizes the hidden parts we do not see as they now hide inside of the  subconscious.  Our fears, imperfections and inhibited passions.  And this is not limited to bad or good.  The shadow is simply a part of one's self that for some reason was suppressed and was not able to take form.  It hides inside darkness trying to find the light.  The hidden key that holds the answer to open up the door to our. . .

(Previously on LOST:  We covered that the subconscious mind controls 95% and the conscious mind controls 5% which is separated by the critical factor or the more technological name Critical Faculty.   This is the barrier that stands in the way of true understanding. It blocks us from our own awareness of actually knowing who we are.)

 Subconscious mind and the Shadow

I believe that is the core to get through as it delves into all of the aspects that have been accrued  in a lifetime.  It's looking at beliefs, fears, accomplishments, childhood memories and oh so much more. If the shadow stays in the darkness the light can never shine.

ASTROLOGY

Astrology birth charts and the subconscious mind are often linked in spiritual, psychological, and esoteric traditions. Let’s explore how these concepts relate to one another:

click the pic to learn more

🔮 1. What Is a Birth Chart?

A birth chart (or natal chart) is a map of where the planets were located at the exact moment you were born. It includes:

• Sun Sign – Ego, identity, and essence.

• Moon Sign – Emotions, instincts, and subconscious patterns.

• Rising Sign (Ascendant) – How you present yourself.

• 12 Houses – Areas of life (relationships, career, etc.).

• Aspects – Angles between planets (how they "talk" to each other).

🧠 The Subconscious Mind in Astrology

The subconscious mind is the deeper part of your psyche that influences habits, emotions, and intuitive reactions—often without your awareness.

Astrological Indicators of the Subconscious:

Element	What It Reflects About the Subconscious
Moon	Deep emotions, childhood conditioning, emotional memory.
12th House	Hidden realms, dreams, karmic baggage, unconscious drives.
Neptune	Imagination, illusion, intuition, dreams.
Pluto	Deep transformation, repressed energies, shadow work.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)	High emotional intelligence, sensitivity to subconscious content.

🧭 How to Work With the Chart to Understand the Subconscious

1. Analyze Your Moon Sign:

• Reveals your emotional programming and core needs.

• Example: Moon in Scorpio? You may subconsciously protect yourself from emotional vulnerability.

2. Explore the 12th House:

• Often represents what is hidden from the conscious mind.

• Planets here might indicate psychic sensitivity, spiritual insight, or unresolved issues.

3. Look at Neptune and Aspects to It:

• Strong Neptune energy may indicate a blurry boundary between conscious and subconscious.

• Can bring dreams, creativity—or confusion.

4. Use Astrology for Shadow Work:

• Shadow work involves exploring the unconscious mind (e.g., Jungian psychology).

• Pluto and 8th/12th house placements often relate to transforming buried fears or traumas.

🧘‍♀️ Practical Uses:

• Dream work: Use your Moon or 12th house placements to understand symbols in dreams.

• Meditation & journaling: Explore emotions and impulses tied to Moon/Neptune/Pluto.

• Therapy/Astrology combo: Some therapists incorporate astrology to explore subconscious patterns.

PLANT MEDICINE CEREMONIES

 Until you make the unconscious conscious, 

 it will rule your life and you will call it fate

• Carl Jung

Plant medicines, what is there value and why would they be linked to the subconscious mind?  It all has to do with the critical factor.  That is what separates our conscious and our subconscious mind from communicating.  Most of all the problems we constantly battle in life are hidden from us in our subconscious mind.  Those things we have had trauma from that were too overwhelming to look at were eventually separated by the critical factor.  The outcome unfortunately limits the pathways and connections from our subconscious to our conscious mind.  Our subconscious is running the show whether we believe it or not.  If we are unaware of what is hiding in our subconscious we will never move forward in life.  

Consciousness - The having of perceptions, thoughts and feelings;awareness.

This is one definition of a word that simply cannot be clearly defined.  And with that I will ask the question?  Are plants conscious?  Are mushrooms conscious?  I personally believe they are.  I believe they can heal trauma and help gain insight.  One of the reasons for this is that when we are under the influence the critical factor is open.  This means that needed communication can be made between the subconscious and the conscious mind.  New pathways can be established the and the process of healing can begin.

Plant medicine ceremonies can be profound tools for healing and transformation - but they require respect,preparation and integration.  They are not for everyone, but for the right person at the right time with the right guidance, they can change your life.